If you are in or represent any of the bands discussed in Harsh Distractions and would like your music removed, please contact me at HarshDistractions@gmail.com and I will remove the post. I'm simply trying to turn people on to records they may not have heard, not end up in a legal battle.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Chicago's Boiling Over recently announced they are breaking up after playing the remainder of shows they have booked. This is a pretty big loss for Chicago as they are one of the best bands around right now, in my opinion. Fortunately for everyone, they recorded 5 new songs that rank among their best. If you've never heard Boiling Over, they play classic, Boston inspired hardcore, taking cues from bands like SSD, Last Rights, etc. These tracks have a much more gritty, raw feel than the Trash City 7" on LifeLine. Pat sounds even more pissed and the song "Control" might be their hardest yet. So while it's a bummer they are breaking up, at least they are going out at the top of their game. Check it.

Slumberland has a storied history of releasing great indie-pop singles and splits. So, I'm sure the idea of pairing up two fantastic singles bands in The Clientele and The Saturday People must have been a no brainer. After all, the majority of these bands finest output were singles and 7" EP's.

On the A Side is the original single version of "Grace" by The Saturday People. It was re-recorded for their LP, but in my opinion this version is head and shoulders above the later version. This song was my introduction to 'The People and it is one of, if not, THE finest recorded moment of their short tenure. "Grace" is everything a beautiful indie-pop song should be - shimmering guitars with a catchy hook and breathy vocals so delicate it seems like they could break at any moment.

On the flip side is The Clientele's contribution with "Porcelain." While it is not my favorite of their early tracks, it is a fine edition to a nearly flawless singles catalog. It's a moody, dreary track perfect for this time of year when you really want to isolate yourself from the cold, grey weather.

If you like either of these bands, or pop music in general, you need this one.

Monday, February 22, 2010

I was a little late to the game on this one, but this demo is incredible. Omegas are a hardcore/punk band from Montreal that have a great take on frantic, vintage 80's hardcore. The four songs on here are all ragers that bring to mind classics like Bad Brains and Void. They have an EP entitled Sonic Order out on High Anxiety I've yet to hear, but if it continues in the same fashion as this demo then I'm sure it's great.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

A few weeks ago Josh and Tim from Chicago band Birth came on the show to guest DJ and play some songs of their own. Here's what we played. Hopefully they will be back on the show soon to play a live set. Download links are below.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Japp Gutter are a San Francisco/Chicago based noise project featuring Matt from Running Ben from The Pagan Blonde and a few friends. It's a blown out, lo-fi wave of distortion with desperate, buried vocals somewhere within. I'd love to get my hands on the lyrics because I'm sure they are hilarious. Check it out!